KIND-HEARTED Isle of Wight councillor Vanessa Churchman has given a money-can't buy gift to help raise cash for Ukraine.
When world famous all-time-great cricketer Shane Warne died recently at the age of 52, Cllr Churchman remembered she had a bat signed by Shane and England legend Robin Smith.
She contacted the County Press to see if we could help auction it for the Ukraine appeal.
The County Press was glad to help and we thought of the East Cowes-based MAD-Aid appeal for the wartorn country.
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Cllr Churchman, the member for Havenstreet and Ashey, agreed and told the CP: "I hear they are doing great work and sending lots of Island aid to Ukraine, so it seems a good cause.
"I won the bat at an event at the Southampton Ageas Bowl some years ago."
Next job was to find an auctioneer and who better than HRD Auction Rooms.
Auctioneer Warren Riches was glad to help and on April 12 the bat will go up for auction at the Brading sale rooms.
The lot number will be 853.
The sale goes live online at 9.30am via the saleroom.com seven days prior to the auction.
The catalogue says: “A cricket bat signed by England and Hampshire batsman Robin Smith and Australia and Hampshire cricketing legend Shane Warne — all proceeds going to the Isle of Wight based charity MAD-Aid who send donations to Ukraine.”
Warren said "HRD Auction Rooms are pleased to help such a great cause and it is a lovely souvenir.
"I hope cricket fans will dig deep to bid for this bat."
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